AC in the Shop/Garage

Any of yall have AC in your shops or garages? Just curious if you do how big is the space, is it insulated, how well does it perform, and how much was the cost? I'm really wanting it in my shop but know it will cost a pretty penny. Just not sure if it would ultimately be worth it. My shop is 2400 sq ft in the main shop and 700 sq ft in an attached portion so obviously a rather large area. I was thinking about trying a DIY mini split in the 700 sq ft area sometime in the next couple of years. This is still just an idea I'm kicking around in my head and I'm just trying to gather some knowledge so don't roast me too bad.

I put 2 mini splits in the house last year. They have done an awesome job. The house has been cooler and used less power. You have the added bonus on heat. They will heat down to a pretty cold outdoor temp. I bought the regular mini splits not the DIY version. Saves a lot on money. The regular mini splits come precharged. Hook up the line set, hook up a vacuum pump capable of drawing down to a deep vacuum. Verify vacuum is holding, if yes then release coolant.

I have a friend that lives in a 5th wheel camper and just recently ordered a mini split from one of the big box stores and put in himself . Fairly simple other than him dealing with the tight space In the camper. He Spent about 1100 bucks And loves it’s . Said that it would have cost him 4 k plus to have someone/accompany to do it. So even if you had to do serveral mini splits you would come out a lot cheaper ! DiY

Most places online will ship them to your door ofr nothing.

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Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

I put 2 mini splits in the house last year. They have done an awesome job. The house has been cooler and used less power. You have the added bonus on heat. They will heat down to a pretty cold outdoor temp. I bought the regular mini splits not the DIY version. Saves a lot on money. The regular mini splits come precharged. Hook up the line set, hook up a vacuum pump capable of drawing down to a deep vacuum. Verify vacuum is holding, if yes then release coolant.

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Yeah good point on the heat even though the heat is just a bonus for me. My shop does a really good job in the winter of holding in heat. I think this past February when we had days on days of subfreezing temps my shop never got below much freezing. I can work indoors in the cold (no wind) much easier than in the heat/humidity for sure. It typically never gets below mid 40's. Im installing a wood stove this fall in the main shop area so it with a mini split would prob do a good job together.

I'd probably not do a diy one either but would do 90% of the install and get a tech to check it out and do the final bits and charge it to make sure the warranty validates.

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Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

Most places online will ship them to your door ofr nothing.

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Is any specific online retailer the best?

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Originally Posted by Slabprowler

I have a friend that lives in a 5th wheel camper and just recently ordered a mini split from one of the big box stores and put in himself . Fairly simple other than him dealing with the tight space In the camper. He Spent about 1100 bucks And loves it’s . Said that it would have cost him 4 k plus to have someone/accompany to do it. So even if you had to do serveral mini splits you would come out a lot cheaper ! DiY

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That's cheap! Did he get a 120V or 240V system?

My dad is currently building a 20x30 shop so I'm also thinking about helping him pick one out.

Ingrams water and air is the one I bought from. At the time they had the best price on the Mr Cool brand

I have 2-25k window units in my 30 x 50. It keeps it comfortable when it is 100 outside. They were about $500 each at WM

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Originally Posted by deltarat

I have 2-25k window units in my 30 x 50. It keeps it comfortable when it is 100 outside. They were about $500 each at WM

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That seems like a good deal on those. What voltage are they? My shop has zero windows aside from the ones built into the two garage doors.

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Originally Posted by scout-j-m

That seems like a good deal on those. What voltage are they? My shop has zero windows aside from the ones built into the two garage doors.

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They are 220 volt. I don't have any windows it my shop to cut down on break ins. I just put them in the wall about 8' up so not to take up wall space. If it's not real hot I just run one.

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Originally Posted by scout-j-m

That's cheap! Did he get a 120V or 240V system?

My dad is currently building a 20x30 shop so I'm also thinking about helping him pick one out.

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240 sent you a pm !

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Originally Posted by deltarat

They are 220 volt. I don't have any windows it my shop to cut down on break ins. I just put them in the wall about 8' up so not to take up wall space. If it's not real hot I just run one.

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I guess I could do that fairly easy. My shop is pole barn style with metal siding and plywood interior wall which lends to fairly easy modifications and repair.

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Originally Posted by scout-j-m

I guess I could do that fairly easy. My shop is pole barn style with metal siding and plywood interior wall which lends to fairly easy modifications and repair.

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Mine is a pole barn as well. I put them high to save wall space and up out of the dust and grindings. They have remotes to turn them off and on.
Another plus is I don't have to work in the sketters.

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Originally Posted by scout-j-m

Any of yall have AC in your shops or garages? Just curious if you do how big is the space, is it insulated, how well does it perform, and how much was the cost? I'm really wanting it in my shop but know it will cost a pretty penny. Just not sure if it would ultimately be worth it. My shop is 2400 sq ft in the main shop and 700 sq ft in an attached portion so obviously a rather large area. I was thinking about trying a DIY mini split in the 700 sq ft area sometime in the next couple of years. This is still just an idea I'm kicking around in my head and I'm just trying to gather some knowledge so don't roast me too bad.

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Just had ad jump up on slick deals. Was a Home Depot ad for a 12,000 btu mini split for 699.00. Looked like a pretty good deal.

Depending on the brand. Mitsubishi or Mr Cool that is a pretty decent deal

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Originally Posted by Cray

Just had ad jump up on slick deals. Was a Home Depot ad for a 12,000 btu mini split for 699.00. Looked like a pretty good deal.

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Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

Depending on the brand. Mitsubishi or Mr Cool that is a pretty decent deal

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Looks like its this Pioneer one. Don't know anything about them.

Access Denied

EDIT: not sure why the url says access denied. Hover over it and you can see that its taking you to a home depot link.

Pioneer isn't a bad brand. I looked it up. It is a 19 seer 110 volt mini split. It has a Gmcc brand compressor. I generally prefer 220 volt because of lower operating cost. Mini split technology is getting better by the day. They are also what most of the rest of the world is using for heating and cooling. That Pioneer said it will heat down to -13 that is pretty impressive

Do you have any idea what these non DIY systems cost to be installed by licensed HVAC pros? I'd imagine if it's non-DIY you can't do it yourself and be warrantied. But seems like an avg DIY'er could wall mount the blower/evaporator, cut and route the set lines/sensor wires/drain hose, mount the condenser unit, and do the electrical to the outside quick disconnect. Seems like you would just need a tech to hook everything up and charge it and leak check it and check the boxes for the warranty.

I see no problems doing those things. They way I understand the warranty on most of what you order and have shipped to you. Once it hits the door it is yours. I had bought a 24000 btu window unit. After 2 years the control board went out. They do not sale a replacement. I replaced the whole unit. 1 year later, control board dead on that one. I called. They said we know there is a problem with the control board. Sorry. We do not have a solution. Hmmm. I bought these because I can buy parts. The only part that carries a long warranty is the compressor. If that goes out. I would rather replece the whole unit. From first hand experience there is a lot more cooling from a 24000 btu mini split than the same rated window unit. And way more efficient